Word Origin & History

dandy c.1780, of uncertain origin, first appeared in a Scottish border ballad:I've heard my granny crackO' sixty twa years backWhen there were sic a stock of Dandies Oetc. In that region, Dandy is dim. of Andrew. In vogue in London c.1813-19. His fem. counterpart was a dandizette (1821) with Fr.-type ending. The adjective dandy first recorded 1792; very popular c.1880-1900.

Example Sentences for dandies

The dandies patronised her, and selected her for their Muse.

But this only proves that dandies are brave as well as other Britons—as all Britons.

There are Indian men in some of the houses—lagging braves, boys, and “dandies.”

“Dandies of the first water, oh yes,” replied Fritz quizzingly.

"Never let the dandies call you a prig," said the statesman.

They might be dandies from the west,—they might be clerks from the east.

In his heart he exults that the dandies now throng to his soirees.

There are one or two dandies in Sorrento who attempt to dress as they do in Naples.

Are you proposing to cut out all the dandies and bloods of the capital?